Geotech/Geoenvironmental Summer Placement Review

The work that I was given was largely dependent on the projects running at the time, and during my placement I worked on three different projects. Most of my work was focussed on one project, where I assisted in the production of a ground investigation report and largely undertook excel-based work visualising and interpreting ground survey data. I also gained experience using leapfrog, a 3D geological modelling software.

I developed many valuable skills during my placement, and drastically improved my competency using excel, starting with virtually no experience. I generally became very confident working with data across different software (Inc. excel, holebase, leapfrog). My report writing and literacy skills also improved, as well as my ability to extract and synthesise information. I also developed many soft skills, including communication, organization, time management, and a general understanding of the process of project progression.

I was given a lot of responsibility, especially towards the latter weeks of my placement, where I felt I could take ownership of my work and really enjoyed this. I was able to ask different people across the company for work (essentially seek out my own work). The graphs and geotechnical parameters that I devised, in addition to written up sections were included in a published ground investigation report.

I felt supported by the entire geotech team whom I sat with, and were happy to help me with any questions I had. My line manager was excellent - she checked in on me daily and made sure I was always learning and doing meaningful work. She also set up meetings for me to chat to employees from other teams around the office when I demonstrated interest in other sectors.

The company culture was excellent, everyone was incredibly friendly and happy to chat with me and share their experiences if I asked them. The office was a very non-intimidating, welcoming place which made the entire experience a positive one.

I thoroughly enjoyed my placement and genuinely looked forward to coming into work every day, helped by the fact that I got along well with many of my team and the other interns. Despite not intending to enter the geotech/geo-environmental team (due to an error in the job role pre-interview), I still enjoyed the work I was doing and developed many skills that were transferrable across multiple disciplines.

Yes

Demonstrate your interest in the company and the job title you are applying for, and ask lots of questions in the interview. Show that you are eager to learn and develop. Be yourself in the interview, and If you are the right fit for the company then this will be evident and you'll likely be successful.